1997 Pontiac Trans Sport

236 federal complaints (307 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 6 federal investigations · 77 service bulletins
See all 15 model years of the Pontiac Trans Sport →
Engine
3.4L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
16 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
236
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
55
Lighting
42
Engine & cooling
42
Body & structure
37
Glass & wipers
26
Brakes
18
Latches & locks
17
Power train
15
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 18 complaints01 years old: 10 complaints2 years old: 17 complaints3 years old: 23 complaints4 years old: 33 complaints5 years old: 22 complaints56 years old: 36 complaints7 years old: 14 complaints8 years old: 14 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 6 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 201 of 236 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 0 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 3 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 8 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 13 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 17 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 7 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 5 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 58 of 236 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

55 complaint records4 crash reports
"A PIN FELL OFF FROM RACK AND PINION STEERING WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH. CONSUMER COULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Lighting

42 complaint records
"THE HEADLIGHT LENS POPPED OFF WITHOUT WARNING, THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE SEAL AROUND THE LENS WAS EXCESSIVELY CORRODED.*JB *TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

42 complaint records1 crash report
"OUR CYL HEAD GASKETS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND OUR CYL HEADS HAD TO BE MACHINED, WE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE OUR FUEL PUMP AT THE SAME TIME..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA03005
opened Apr 2003
closed Jan 2004SuspensionREAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURE
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING...
EA02032
opened Nov 2002
closed Nov 2003Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE
ODI IDENTIFIED 59 REPORTS WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ODI WAS ABLE TO CONTACT 44 OF THE 59 CONSUMERS IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF THE LATCH PROBLEMS.OF THE 44 OWNERS CONTACTED, ODI DETERMINED THAT FOUR FAILURES WERE DUE TO AN OUT-OF-TOLERANCE LATCH...
EA02003
opened Apr 2002
closed Dec 2002SteeringPOWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE - led to recall 02V286000
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
PE02017
opened Feb 2002
closed Aug 2002Seat BeltsSHOULDER HARNESS CLIP
PE01038
opened Nov 2001
closed Apr 2002SteeringSTEERING RACK AND PINION
ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P).THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT.GM HAS REPORTED SIX...
Show 1 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
SQ00014
opened Jul 2000
closed Oct 2001StructureUNEXPECTED OPENING OF SLIDING DOOR - led to recall 01V067000
There is no summary currently available

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V597000Latches/Locks/LinkagesON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE...Normally free
02V286000SteeringCERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY.Normally free
01V264000Latches/Locks/LinkagesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS THAT WERE SERVICED IN CAMPAIGN 01013 (01V-067) FROM APRIL...Normally free
01V067000Latches/Locks/LinkagesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED.Normally free
98V072000VisibilityVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM CAN CONTACT A BRAKE LINE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM MODULATOR VALVE.Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
19NA273
Dec 2019
Electrical SystemThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
17NA073
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
17NA073
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696C
May 2018
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIP4723C
Sep 2017
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
17-NA-073
Mar 2017
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
17-NA-016
Feb 2017
WheelsThis informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
17-NA-016
Jan 2017
WheelsThis informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
16NA260
Aug 2016
EquipmentTHIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS.
PIC4696B
Dec 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIC4696A
Oct 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
Recalls
Jun 2014
EquipmentVehicle Recalls
05-06-04-035D
May 2014
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
130089009
Sep 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
03-06-01-010
Apr 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT GM REMINDER. *TT INSTALL NEW LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. UPDATED 7/18/08 *PE
000940001B
Feb 2005
Child SeatEXCESSIVE LATERAL MOVEMENT (SIDE TO SIDE) WHEN USING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET CHILD SEATS. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SECOND AND THIRD ROW BUCKET SEATS. INCLUDING THE 1997 - 1999 OPEL SINTRA. *TT
010844005A
Oct 2004
EquipmentINFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH
01880
Jan 2004
Power TrainNO TCC APPLY, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON, TCC SURGE, POSSIBLE P0740, P1870, OR 39 AFTER INSTALLATION OF A REMAN (SRTA) 4T60/4T60E. *TT
030232049
Nov 2003
SteeringRELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT
020867006B
Mar 2003
StructureROOF PERFORATION. *TT
030601010
Mar 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT
020864006A
Dec 2002
StructureROOF PERFORATION. *TT
020858003
Jun 2002
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT ROAD NOISE CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE AREA BEHIND THE FRONT SEATS. *TT
020867006
Jun 2002
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS RUST FORMING AROUND THE FRONT OR REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF. *TT
020858005
Jun 2002
VisibilityCONCERNS WITH WIND NOISE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. *TT
020864011
May 2002
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOOR WILL REVERSE ON CLOSING OR THE DOOR WILL APPEAR CLOSED, BUT THE ALARM WILL COME ON WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS MOVED OUT OF PARK. *TT
020601014
Apr 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING REVISED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION. *TT
000138011B
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING POOR HEAT WITH COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES AT LOW ENGINE RPM. *TT
000138011A
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING POOR HEAT WITH COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES AT LOW ENGINE RPM. *TT
010857006
Nov 2001
StructureTHIS BULLETIN CONTAINS INFORMATION ON VARIOUS WATERLEAK CONDITIONS. *TT
010851004
Oct 2001
StructureINFORMATION REGARDING PREMATURE ALUMINUM HOOD CORROSION. *YH
010523006A
Jun 2001
Service BrakesTHIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO REVISE THE FASTENER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE CALIPER BRACKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES IN THE DISC-BRAKE SUB-SECTION OF BRAKES IN THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE MANUAL. *TT
990604005A
Apr 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON DRIVEABILITY SYMPTONS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *TT
990730030A
Apr 2001
Power TrainOWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT
010523006
Apr 2001
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING REVISED FASTENER REQUIREMENTS FOR FRONT AND REAR BRAKE CALIPER BRACKET. *TT
000138011
Dec 2000
VisibilitySOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON POOR HEAT IN THE VEHICLE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AT LOW ENGINE RPM. THIS CONDITION IS MOST PREVALENT AT OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES BELOW 0 DEGREES C (32 DEGREES F). *TT
000864007
Jun 2000
VisibilitySOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE FRONT DOOR GLASS IS SLOW OR NOISY WHEN MOVING UP OR DOWN OR THE WINDOW IS INOPERATIVE. *TT
000940001
Mar 2000
Seat BeltsEXCESSIVE LATERAL MOVEMENT (SIDE TO SIDE) WHEN USING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET CHILD SEATS. THIS CONDITION OCCURS IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SECOND AND THIRD ROW BUCKET SEATS. *TT
990730030
Dec 1999
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT
990864017
Sep 1999
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THEIR SLIDING SIDE DOOR RATTLES AT THE TOP. *TT
9959
Apr 1999
Service BrakesCONDITIONS WITH ICE ACCUMULATING ON THE REAR BRAKE PIPES. *TT
990604005
Feb 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *TT
831704
Oct 1998
StructureCONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC
831220
Aug 1998
EquipmentA/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH IS ENGAGED. THIS CONDITION IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN ENGINE IS AROUND THE 1000-2000 RPM RANGE. THE NOISE MAY BE LODEST WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION THROUGH THIS RPM RANGE.
836316
Jul 1998
Fuel SystemSOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO VIN BREAKPOINT WD100162 MAY EXHIBIT FUEL TANK THUD / CLUNK TYPE NOISE AUDIBLE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR DURING A BRAKING MANEUVER WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FILLED BETWEEN 5/8 AND FULL. *TT
98576124A
Jun 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingCOMMENTS ON A TICKING TYPE NOISE THAT BEGINS SHORTLY AFTER COLD ENGINE START-UP AND GRADUALLY DIMINISHES AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP. *YC
98776514A
May 1998
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL. *YC
98108
Apr 1998
Service BrakesA CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM CONTACTS A BRAKE LINE CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) MODULATOR VALVE WHILE THE WIPER LINKAGE ARM IS IN MOTION. *TT
838205
Apr 1998
VisibilityCOMMENTS THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE(S) CHATTER ON THE WINDSHIELD. *YC
98839601
Feb 1998
EquipmentEXPERIENCING AM BAND RADIO INTERFERENCE WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE OPERATING OR SECONDARY IGNITION SYSTEM NOISE WITH ENGINE RUNNING. *YC
98776304A
Feb 1998
Fuel SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *YC
731104
Jan 1998
VisibilityINSUFFICIENT HEATER PERFORMANCE IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER. *YC
970901739017
Sep 1997
VisibilityLOSS OF OWNER CUSTOMIZATION SETTINGS.
970901731062
Sep 1997
StructureVARIOUS POWER SLIDING SIDE DOOR CONDITIONS. *YC
970901731612
Sep 1997
StructureA METAL STUD MAY PUNCTURE THE CARPETING NEAR THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY. *YC
970801731057
Aug 1997
StructureHOTLINE INFORMATION REGARDING PROCEDURES FOR SLIDING DOOR BODY AND REAR QUARTER WINDOW ITCH. *YC

Showing 60 of 77 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Pontiac Trans Sport →